Health for All

The HEALTH for All (H4A) program got off to a challenging start: The mobile health initiative launched in 2020 just weeks before the COVID-19 pandemic upended day-to-day operations around the world.

But now, five years in, H4A partners with more than 20 community organizations across Delaware - including new partners outside of New Castle County - to bring tailored care to underserved communities while providing workforce development opportunities for students from throughout the University of Delaware.

Twice a week, the H4A team - anchored by Program Manager Christine Sowinski and Family Nurse Practitioner Heather Milea - travels the state in a mobile health van to visit community sites, offering physical and mental health screenings, consultations and health promoting materials.

"H4A is in the unique position to hear about community needs directly from partners with whom they have built a trusted relationship and to seek expertise from across the College of Health Sciences and the entire University to meet those needs," said UD College of Health Sciences Dean Bill Farquhar, who has joined the team in the field. "This program also gives students opportunities to see community health in action through service learning."

Supported over the last five years by the College of Health Sciences, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, the Laffey McHugh Foundation and private donors, H4A works to build sustained relationships with partners at community sites like senior centers, barber shops, libraries and churches - spaces where community members feel comfortable.

"I'm grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with the community and University colleagues to deliver meaningful initiatives and to work alongside students to mentor, support their growth, and empower them to make a lasting impact in public health," Sowinski said.